Bicycle-bearing.



PATENTBD SEPT. 8, 1908.

H. B. GILLETTE.

BICYCLE BEARING.

APPLUATION FILED JAN. 9. 1900.

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PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1903.

H. E. GILLETTE.

BICYCLE BEARING.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 9. 1900.

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UNITED STATES Patented September 8, 1903.

PATENT OFFICE.

BICYCLE-BEARING.

EPESIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 738,180, datedSeptember 8, 1903.

Application led January 9, 1900. Serial No 902. (No Inodel To @ZZ who/ltit' muy concern:

Be it known that I, HERBERT GILLETTE, a citizen of the United States,residing at the city of Benton Harbor, in the county of Berrien andState of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inBicycle-Bearings, of which the followingis a specification.

. vfIhis invention relates to improvements in bicycles.

The objects of the invention are, rst, to provide a bicycle which shallbe strong, rigid, and durable and easy and cheap to manufacture;second,to providea bicycle in which the bearings are constructed so asto brace and strengthen the frame; third, to provide a bicycle capableof carrying very heavy loads and one in which the power necessary topropel the same when so loaded is greatly diminished; fourth, to providea bicycle the bearings of which are so constructed as to require noadjustment in its bearings. Further objects will definitely appear inthe detailed description to follow. I accomplish these objects of myinvention by the devices and means described in this specification.

rlhe invention is clearly defined,and pointed out in the claims.

A structure fully embodying the features of my invention is illustratedin the accompanying drawings,forming a part of this specilcation, inWhich- Figure lis a detail side elevation of my improved bicycle, thefront of the frame being broken away and saddle omitted. Fig. 2 is anenlarged detail sectional view through the hub of the rear Wheel, takenon lines 2 2 of Figs. l and 3, the shaft or axle and the rollers beingin full lines. Fig. 3 is a detail cross-sectional View taken on line 3 3of Fig. 2. Fig. e is an enlarged detail sectional view through thecrank-han gerand bearings,taken on lines 4 et of Figs. l and 5, theshaft and rollers being in full lines. Fig. 5 is a detailcross-sectional view taken on line 5 5 of Fig. Ll. Fig. 6 is an enlargeddetail sectional view of the pedal, taken on line 6 6 of Fig. 7, thespindle and rollers being shown in full lines. Fig. 7 is a detailtransverse view of the pedal, taken on line 7 7 of Fig. G.

In the drawings similar letters of reference refer to similar partsthroughout the several views.

To carry out my improvements, I provide all the bearing parts of mybicycle with rollerbearings, whereby the axles or spindles are embracedfor their entire length by the rollers, which arrangement greatlystrengthens and positively prevents their springing and also serves tobrace and strengthen the frame, making the same very rigid and strong.

Referring to the lettered parts of the drawings, B represents a bicycleframe, which may be of any desired constructiomthe one shown beingWhatisknown as the diamond frame.

A is the rear wheel,and A the hub thereof.

C is the rear axle, and D the rollers of the bearing.

E is a double-flange collar sleeved upon the axle C to retain therollers in position and to prevent thrust motion thereof, excludedust,and also serve to retain the frame in its proper position. The axleC is shouldered at C' to secure the proper locating and adjustment ofthe collars E. The collar E is provided with an inner iiange e forretaining and forming the end bearing for the rollers. The outer flangec of the collar E is shouldered to cover the outer end of the hub toexclude dust and to` give a inished appearance, and any dust which maychance to pass this flange Will lodge in the groove formed by theflanges e and c'. The rollers D are fitted into the boxing as closely aspossible, so that they not only impinge against the axle and against thebearing within the hub, but also against each other. By this arrangementthe rollers serve as guides for each other and prevent their getting ontof alinement, and consequently bent or stuck fast. Also when the rollersimpinge against each other when one ot' the rollers turns its motion isimparted to the others, Which prevents their becoming stuck fast andsecures even Wearing of the same. This tight fitting and the engagingofthe axle for the entire length of the bearing supports and strengthensthe axle, avoiding springing of the same, Which is liable to happen inball-bearings, and the tight iit also serves to brace and strengthen thebicycle -frame, making the IOO . Washer 'n' and nut r.

'is the pedal-frame proper.

same very rigid. I apply this principle to all the bearings of mybicycle with such variations as may be necessary due to their position.I have describedthe rear hub and bearing. The hub of the forward Wheelis substantially identical.

In the crank-hanger I provide a boxing F, (a similar boxing may be usedin the hubs and other bearings When desirable,) suitably secured inposition. Collars I are screwed into the boxing to retain the rollers inposition and serve as dust-excluders, suitable shoulders being providedto insure the proper positioning of the collars. It will be readily seenthat the collars I might be sleeved or secured upon the shaft H insteadof being secured to the boxing or hub.

In the pedal, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, G G' is its hub or boxing. J isthe spindle, which is shouldered at J to form an end bearing for one endof the rollers and to close one end of the boxing. On the opposite endthe spindle is also shouldered at J to provide a seat for a collar n,which is held in position by a suitable For this end of the boxing Iprovide a suitable dust excluder or cap K, screwed into suitable threadson the outside of the boxing.

The rollers D in all of the bearings are f1tted into place as closely aspossible, as before described, the ends of the same being rounded toreduce the end bearing-surface.

A bicycle constructed in this manner is very strong, rigid, durable, andeasy running.

It `will be seen from this description that the structure can be greatlyvaried in its de tails without departing from my invention. Vhile Iconsider the structure shown to be very desirable, I desire to statethat many variations in the detail can be made and the structure beequally eiective.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a bicycle, the combination ot' a hub; a boxing therefor; an axleC; rollers D; double-hanged collars sleeved upon said axle andshouldered into said hub and secured thereto to retain the rollers inposition and to exclude the dust, all coacting for the purposespecified.

2. In a bicycle, the combination of a hub A an axle C; rollers D gdouble-flanged col lars E sleeved upon said axle and shouldered intosaid hub and secured in position to retain the rollers and to excludethe dust, all coacting for the purpose specified.

3. In a bicycle, the combination of a hub; an axle; rollers D;double-flanged collars sleeved uponsaid axle and means of securing thesaid flanged collars in position to retain the rollers and to excludethe dust, as specie fied.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presenceof two witmesses.

HERBERT B. GILLETTE.

